The Birds and Snakes Society What Jesus Taught Every Entrepreneur About Wisdom, Courage, and Character

What if one of Jesus' most practical business lessons had nothing to do with profits, marketing, or management—but everything to do with birds and snakes?

That unusual question launches one of the newest episodes of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective, where broadcaster and entrepreneur Stan Hustad returns from a brief broadcasting sabbatical with a fresh challenge for anyone seeking to build a meaningful life and business in today's rapidly changing world.

At first glance, "The Birds and Snakes Society" sounds mysterious—even a little unsettling. That is exactly the point.

Drawing from one of Jesus' most memorable sayings, Stan explores the surprising command to be "wise as serpents and gentle as doves." Rather than treating those words as simply a religious phrase, he invites listeners to wrestle with what they might mean for entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, business owners, and anyone trying to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Along the way, listeners travel with Stan from the deserts of Arizona to the walking trails of North Carolina, where encounters with birds and the ever-present warnings about rattlesnakes and copperheads become vivid illustrations of the tension every entrepreneur must learn to manage.

Gentleness without wisdom can become naïve. Wisdom without gentleness can become manipulative. Jesus calls His followers to something far more difficult—and infinitely more powerful.

Throughout the conversation, Stan reminds listeners that the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective is not simply another organization asking for support. Instead, it is an invitation to build businesses that create genuine value, solve real problems, provide for families, and become living demonstrations of faith expressed through excellence in the marketplace.

The program also places this challenge within today's extraordinary historical moment. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary while artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and global economic transformation reshape nearly every profession, Stan argues that entrepreneurs need more than better business techniques. They need transformed character.

The discussion also highlights the remarkable example of Lydia—the prosperous merchant described in the New Testament as the first European Christian. Her story

reminds listeners that entrepreneurship, leadership, and faithful discipleship have always belonged together, and that women as well as men have shaped the history of Christian enterprise from the very beginning.

Perhaps the most memorable image in the program is Stan's invitation to imagine Jesus Himself as an entrepreneur in today's marketplace—not changing His character, but expressing it through wisdom, excellence, integrity, creativity, confidence, and servant leadership.

It is a refreshing reminder that following Jesus was never intended to separate faith from work. Instead, faith should transform the way we work.

The Birds and Snakes Society may sound like an unusual title. But behind it lies a timeless challenge: Can we become people who are both compassionate and courageous...both peaceful and perceptive...both kind and remarkably wise?

In a world that often rewards extremes, Jesus offers something better. He calls us to live in the creative tension between grace and wisdom.

Things to Remember:
• Combine gentleness with wisdom.
• Character matters as much as competence.
• Spiritual discernment belongs in the marketplace.
• Lydia reminds us entrepreneurship has always had a place in God's story. • Trust is a lasting competitive advantage.

Things to Share:
• Discuss what Jesus meant by being wise as serpents and gentle as doves. • Share the idea that faith and business strengthen one another.
• Encourage entrepreneurs to see their work as a calling.
• Help others grow both character and competence.

Things to Think About and Act Upon:
• Which side comes more naturally—grace or wisdom?
• What practical step can you take this week?
• Read The Jesus Entrepreneur and apply its principles.
• Consider becoming a Founding Friend of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective.

A Final Word:
The future belongs to those who can reflect God's heart while navigating today's marketplace with wisdom. The world needs more Jesus entrepreneurs—wise as serpents, gentle as doves, and determined to make a lasting difference wherever God has placed them.

If you would like to see the entire program on video you can try this link

https://youtu.be/dJwb_aJcNt4